Modular planting system

Abstract

A modular planting system for at least one plant including a support frame having an inner volume within which can be supported at least one root ball of a plant, and an inner support provided within the inner volume for supporting the root ball therein; wherein the root ball is locatable at an optimal position for growth of the plant when the modular planting system is placed within a hole dug to at least substantially accommodate the modular planting system.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (Cancelled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A modular planting system for at least one plant, the system comprising:
 a support frame having an inner volume within which can be located at least one root ball of a plant, wherein the root ball is locatable at an optimal position for growth of the plant when the modular planting system is placed within a hole dug to at least substantially accommodate the modular planting system.   
     
     
         19 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein the support frame includes a plurality of generally vertically aligned structural supports, and at least one generally horizontally aligned support hoop to which the structural supports are secured. 
     
     
         20 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein the support frame provides at least one generally vertically aligned opening that allow a plant stake to be accommodated therein. 
     
     
         21 . The modular planting system of  claim 19 , wherein each structural support is in the form of an elongate tube. 
     
     
         22 . The modular planting system of  claim 19 , wherein each structural support is in the form of a corrugated sheet or channel section having a channel portion and one or two peripheral flange portions on one or either side of the channel portion. 
     
     
         23 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , further comprising an inner support within the inner volume for supporting the root ball therein. 
     
     
         24 . The modular planting system of  claim 23 , wherein the inner support in the form of a substantially annular ring having radially extending members for respectively engaging a said structural support, the annular ring supporting the root ball. 
     
     
         25 . The modular planting system of  claim 23 , wherein the inner support is in the form of a support platform located under the root. 
     
     
         26 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein at least a root guard curtain is supported around the support frame. 
     
     
         27 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , further comprising at least one water application device supported therein. 
     
     
         28 . The modular planting system of  claim 26 , wherein the water application device includes one or more socked agricultural pipes secured to the support frame extending from a position adjacent the top of the modular planting system to a position under the root ball thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The modular planting system of  claim 26 , wherein the water application device includes an irrigation system supported on the modular planting system extending above and/or around the root ball thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein the support frame has a generally cylindrical shape and encloses a generally cylindrical inner volume. 
     
     
         31 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein the support frame is formed from a plurality of generally circular rings or hoops spaced in a vertically aligned arrangement, and a plurality of vertically aligned elongated structural supports, each circular ring or hoop being secured to one or more of the structural supports. 
     
     
         32 . The modular planting system of  claim 31 , wherein each structural support is in the form of an elongate pipe. 
     
     
         33 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein at least part of the modular planting system is formed from biodegradable material. 
     
     
         34 . The modular planting system of  claim 18 , wherein the support frame is sized so that the dug hole provides a volume of ground or soil disturbance of at least three times the volume of the root ball. 
     
     
         35 . A method of planting one or more plants using a modular planting system having a support frame with an inner volume within which can be located at least one root ball of a plant, wherein the root ball is locatable at an optimal position for growth of the plant when the modular planting system is placed within a hole dug to at least substantially accommodate the modular planting system, the method comprising:
 digging a hole at a planting site, the hole having a diameter and depth sufficient to at least substantially accommodate the modular planting system;   dropping the modular planting system into the hole;   planting a root ball of the or each plant within; and   backfilling the inner volume of the modular planting system.